The stadium was filled with visitors. It was the most popular race of the whole season. The final race which choose the winner of the Pison Cup. After the incident with Ryan, Lightning was much more calmer. He das his friends back and everything was fine. Ryan didn't called again. It seemed like truly regretted his actions.
When Lighting drove out of the pit he looked back at his friends. They all were here. Luigi, Guido, Sarge, Fillmore, Flo and Ramone, Mater, and most importantly Doc and Sally. She smiled at him ans McQueens heart filled with happiness. There guys were something truly special. They made him feel home and accepted. They made him feel loved.
The first time he felt that was when everyone were sad on this special morning, when they thought he left after finishing the road. Lightning smiled. He had the best friends ever!
With this warm feeling in his chest he got over the first 100 laps. He was at the 3nd position. But his ambition, which normally catched him, helt back. He just enjoyed the feeling of racing and being in this big arena. Being a part of this amazing event. He grinned and suddenly there was a hole between the two cars in front of him. Ryan's car. Lightning doubled speed and slipped through the hole. He passed Ryan and Lightning looked into the driving mirror. Ryan didn't seemed haunted by revenge anymore. He seemed at peace. McQueen smiled and whished Ryan could see that. He wished they could start from the beginning again.
Soon, Lightning passed the 1st racer and now he had the pole position. He just needed to hold it. In the last 10 laps, Ryan catched up and took the second position. Lighning took the next curve. Ryan really holded his promise. He kinda didn't expected that. He had thought Ryan would try to win anyways. Suddenly, Lightning felt bad for him. Ryan just wanted revenge for his uncle and needed someone who acted as a trigger. Sure, kidnapping was a crime. But he did it out if despair. Lightning looked up to the big monitor in the middle of the stadium. 2 laps to go. He made a decision. Ryan did terrible things, yes. And he had to pay for that. But in Lightning's eyes, he already did. He admitted that his actions were wrong. That he was misguided. Ryan abstained from the win. And even accepting this was payment enough.
In the last lap, right before the last corner, Lightning layed off the gas pedal. The red car fades slightly and with a rush Ryan's dark blue car overtook him and passed the finish line. McQueen followed him at the second position.
"And the winner of the Piston Cup is Ryan Harvick!", the moderators screamed onto the microphone.
It was amazing, everyone cheered as Lightning walked to Ryan's team after the race.
Ryan talked to a journalist and smiled over his full face. He didn't expected to win. He looked surprised and excused himself. "Lightning!", he ran to the other racer. "What happened, I tought I should dispense the win." He was very confused. Lightning smirked. "I know that was the deal but... You've already payed for your actions. And it wasn't fair holdin the win back from you. That's why I stopped. You are a good racer. Just like your uncle. He would be proud of you." Ryan's eyes got watery and he blinked a few times. "Lightning... Thank you. I really don't know what to say! I did horrible things to you and you let me win. This is just..."
"What friends would do.", McQueen smiled at him. Ryan opened his mouth but he didn't answer. "I don't forgive you that you kidnapped my friends.", Lightning said. "But you regretted it and that's the first step to improvement. And you earn this win."
The two racers smiled at each other. "Thank you Lightning.", Ryan whispered.